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Intimate partner violence and diurnal cortisol patterns in couples
Hyoun K Kim1, Stacey S Tiberio1, Deborah M Capaldi1
1Oregon Social Learning Center, 10 Shelton McMurphey Blvd, Eugene, OR 97401, USA.
Psychoneuroendocrinology
|October 7, 2014
Summary
Physical intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization is linked to altered daily cortisol patterns in women. Higher victimization in women correlated with flatter diurnal cortisol, impacting hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis functioning.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant public health issue.
- Understanding the physiological impact of IPV, particularly on the stress response system, is crucial.
- Previous research suggests links between trauma and HPA axis dysregulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between physical intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization and diurnal salivary cortisol patterns.
- To explore gender differences in the relationship between IPV and cortisol profiles.
- To examine the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis functioning in relation to IPV.
Main Methods:
- Community sample of 122 couples in their 30s.
- Assessment of physical intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization.
- Measurement of diurnal salivary cortisol levels throughout the day.
Main Results:
- Women with higher physical IPV victimization showed flatter diurnal cortisol patterns.
- These women had higher midday cortisol and slower cortisol decline across the day.
- No significant association was found between men's victimization and their diurnal cortisol levels.
Conclusions:
- Physical IPV victimization is associated with dysregulated hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis functioning in women.
- Altered cortisol patterns in women survivors of IPV may have implications for mental and physical health.
- IPV's impact on the HPA axis appears to be gender-specific in this sample.
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